Pretoria North collaborates to clear illegal dumpsites

Residents of Pretoria North took it upon themselves to clean and close down illegal dumpsites that have resulted from the backlog of refuse waste collection.

The residents, local organisations, security companies and ward councillor took part in the clean-up.

For the past five weeks, the Tshwane metro has experienced disruption to service delivery, causing frustration and inconvenience for residents.

The lack of refuse collection has resulted in overflowing bins and unsanitary conditions, with some residents resorting to illegally dumping on roadsides.

Daan de Wet Nel Street, which was turned into a dumpsite was cleaned and rubble was removed.

Mickey van der Westhuizen, of House of Peace Shelter, said that the foul smell and waste all over the city was a significant health and environmental hazard, and that something needed to be done.

“We had to address this situation with urgency, as it was causing distress to the community and at the same time posing a serious risk to public health.”

According to Van der Westhuizen, the illegal dumpsite has turned what was once a beautiful town into a “waste swamp”.

“The piles of waste and the foul smell have become a blight on the community and the town’s once-beautiful appearance has been severely marred,” he said.

Van der Westhuizen said the community took immediate action to restore the town to its former glory and protect the health and safety of its residents.

Quieten Meyer of Ons sal Self organisation expressed concern over the environmental degradation and health risks posed by the illegal dumpsite.

“The accumulation of waste and the presence of rodents and insects have created an unsanitary and unsafe environment.”

Meyer emphasised the importance of addressing the issue and preventing further degradation, as it is not only a nuisance but a serious health hazard.

“The dumpsites were causing serious harm to the environment and were bacteria breeding ground.”

Cobra private security and Maxim security vowed to patrol the area to tackle illegal dumping.

“We will be showing more visibility and apprehending anyone who illegally dumped,” said Juan Van Staden, the security operational manager of Cobra.

Van Staden said they will be handing over people caught dumping illegally to the Tshwane metro police.

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